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bibliorama's reviews
157 reviews
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
My favorite part from this novel was the beginning. I really liked the story within a story aspect that was what made me want to pick up this A Thousand and One Nights retelling. How Shazi told the stories was engaging and I particularly liked the Blue Beard story because I had read the French version of Blue Beard awhile ago and seeing the similarities and differences in these versions is what I love about fairytales.
I liked Shazi as a main protagonist, especially in the beginning. Towards the end, I felt she lost a bit of spark as her conviction wavered. I would have liked a bit more conflict between her and Khalid. They came to trust each other a bit too quick.
The writing was good and made the environments come to life. It taught a few new words which is always a good thing. I didn't feel it was too flowery and it matched the setting in my opinion.
I'm not in a huge rush to read the sequel, but I own it and will get around to reading it sooner rather than later.
Listened to the audiobook and the production was good. I just had to speed up the narrator some.
I liked Shazi as a main protagonist, especially in the beginning. Towards the end, I felt she lost a bit of spark as her conviction wavered. I would have liked a bit more conflict between her and Khalid. They came to trust each other a bit too quick.
The writing was good and made the environments come to life. It taught a few new words which is always a good thing. I didn't feel it was too flowery and it matched the setting in my opinion.
I'm not in a huge rush to read the sequel, but I own it and will get around to reading it sooner rather than later.
Listened to the audiobook and the production was good. I just had to speed up the narrator some.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Animal death, Blood, and Suicide
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I was able to read this pretty quickly, which is a good sign to me. I liked the setting and thought the world was detailed. Winter environments are some of my absolute faves. I thought this was a good YA fantasy, and an easy place for a teen to start their fantasy reading adventure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Gaslighting, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, and Gaslighting
Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I listened to the audiobook and it's quite short, so it was a nice little Halloween read. Even though it was a short listen it didn't feel like it went by very fast, and that's probably because there isn't much of a plot and most of what does happen happens at the midpoint and beyond. So the beginning to me was longer to get through.
Since this story is majorly about the characters, I need to go into detail about them. The story is told from 3 perspectives, Wink, Poppy, Midnight. Wink in some ways felt like she was on the edges of the story even though she has a big roll to play in it, which left me feeling like the end came out of left field. She also loves fairytales which she uses as a blockade so no one can get that close. As a reader, I felt like in her perspective it never really got as deep as it could have. Poppy was my favorite to listen to simply because she's a wild card. Could also be that I liked her narrator the best. She also felt like she had the most growth out of the 3. Midnight is who we get the most of and I liked the ending of his perspective, but he gets moved along by the story. He's not so much an action maker.
Overall the audio production was quite good, and it was a quick enough read. It also had some mysterious, fairytale vibes that were nice to read during the build up to Halloween.
Since this story is majorly about the characters, I need to go into detail about them. The story is told from 3 perspectives, Wink, Poppy, Midnight. Wink in some ways felt like she was on the edges of the story even though she has a big roll to play in it, which left me feeling like the end came out of left field. She also loves fairytales which she uses as a blockade so no one can get that close. As a reader, I felt like in her perspective it never really got as deep as it could have. Poppy was my favorite to listen to simply because she's a wild card. Could also be that I liked her narrator the best. She also felt like she had the most growth out of the 3. Midnight is who we get the most of and I liked the ending of his perspective, but he gets moved along by the story. He's not so much an action maker.
Overall the audio production was quite good, and it was a quick enough read. It also had some mysterious, fairytale vibes that were nice to read during the build up to Halloween.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Racial slurs
There is a racial slur used earlier in the book that really put me off and lowered my enjoyment of the story. Specifically it's derogatory term for someone who's Chinese. Really there didn't seem to be any reason story wise for it to be added, which is why I'm harping on it. Also Poppy's friend group is called the Yellows, because her name is Poppy and it's a reference to opioid. This also felt off for me and instinctively it's not sitting well, but I don't know if my interpretation of the text is just off.
Bunny by Mona Awad
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Edit 1/23/22: to finally give a proper review
I really loved this book's themes. In my interpretation, part of this story is about the emotional and personal side to creating works of art. Sam and the Bunnies perform their "workshops" to try and create the perfect "Bunny" only it never seems to work (because what they are putting into the bunnies is superficial at best, nothing of true substance). Sam is never included in the action and always on the sidelines during these workshops, but that is for an important reason. The Bunnies always have Sam feeling like an outsider and that she isn't skilled enough to partake in their art workshops, and she should feel lucky to be included in any way at all.
Some backstory, Sam is in a master's program for writing at a prestigious school where most of the students are from a higher economic class from her. The Bunnies are included in this higher economic class.
So I feel like part of the conversation taking place in this book is how sometimes those in a higher class can dictate what is "good art" while Sam is left floundering like she isn't really good enough, but her growth is understanding that she has technically already made a bunny that has outlasted all the ones the Bunnies have made being Ava . This character is one of substance and came from when Sam was in a dark place her creation (art) guided her out and gave her joy. There's more to this book that I could talk about, but I'll stop myself here for not wanting to give too many spoilers that might keep someone else from picking it up.
All-in-all I love when a book makes me think and with this one you have to. The writing isn't straightforward and makes you wonder, but I like the experimental aspect to it. It was creative. And, it'll have you saying "bunny" to yourself days after finishing it, so be warned.
This book was a wild ride. Since I literally just finished it I still am thinking through all my thoughts, so I'll come back and update this part with more details. Before I leave, I'll just add this - I really loved the idea of how in our lonely moments we can create companions that stick with us and help quide us through the hardships.
I really loved this book's themes. In my interpretation, part of this story is about the emotional and personal side to creating works of art. Sam and the Bunnies perform their "workshops" to try and create the perfect "Bunny" only it never seems to work (because what they are putting into the bunnies is superficial at best, nothing of true substance). Sam is never included in the action and always on the sidelines during these workshops, but that is for an important reason. The Bunnies always have Sam feeling like an outsider and that she isn't skilled enough to partake in their art workshops, and she should feel lucky to be included in any way at all.
Some backstory, Sam is in a master's program for writing at a prestigious school where most of the students are from a higher economic class from her. The Bunnies are included in this higher economic class.
So I feel like part of the conversation taking place in this book is how sometimes those in a higher class can dictate what is "good art" while Sam is left floundering like she isn't really good enough, but her growth is understanding that she has technically already made a bunny that has outlasted all the ones the Bunnies have made being
All-in-all I love when a book makes me think and with this one you have to. The writing isn't straightforward and makes you wonder, but I like the experimental aspect to it. It was creative. And, it'll have you saying "bunny" to yourself days after finishing it, so be warned.
This book was a wild ride. Since I literally just finished it I still am thinking through all my thoughts, so I'll come back and update this part with more details. Before I leave, I'll just add this - I really loved the idea of how in our lonely moments we can create companions that stick with us and help quide us through the hardships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Drug use, Gore, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual content
Definitely don't read if you don't like any descriptions of animal death in any sort of way.
Hands Down by Mariana Zapata
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Listened to the audiobook.
Main thing that reaaallly brought down the reading experience was the extreme amount of nicknames used. There were at least 5 used in like every other paragraph it felt like. It was too much and made it a lot cheesier amd cringy to read. (I'm looking directly at you "kiddo")
Bianca's not my favorite main protag of Zapata's (Van will be for life) and Bianca had a lot of repetitive thoughts that could have been edited down a lot more. If some of the repetitive self doubt of hers and the copy paste phrases had been pared down it would've been a better experience for me personally. However, I really enjoyed her cooking passion and that added a special element to her character.
Overall there are elements to her and Zac's relationship that was cute, but it was more childish than what I'm into. It's a good read for when you want a more relaxed couple pairing.
Main thing that reaaallly brought down the reading experience was the extreme amount of nicknames used. There were at least 5 used in like every other paragraph it felt like. It was too much and made it a lot cheesier amd cringy to read. (I'm looking directly at you "kiddo")
Bianca's not my favorite main protag of Zapata's (Van will be for life) and Bianca had a lot of repetitive thoughts that could have been edited down a lot more. If some of the repetitive self doubt of hers and the copy paste phrases had been pared down it would've been a better experience for me personally. However, I really enjoyed her cooking passion and that added a special element to her character.
Overall there are elements to her and Zac's relationship that was cute, but it was more childish than what I'm into. It's a good read for when you want a more relaxed couple pairing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
As with all Mariana Zapata books, sex scene is at the end, but it's easy to skip if you need.
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was a pretty quick read once I got into the story. I enjoyed the story overall, though some of Emma's thought process was a bit repetitive to read.
Some of the ending twists landed, some didn't.I liked Chet's motivation and think it made sense, amd Viv's twist at the ending was interesting to say the least. Lottie's twist and the asylum backstory felt like they stopped short, like it didn't quite go there.
Which leads me to how there was a lot of build up in this book for some spooky, dark, and teisted things but it stops short. Which is good news for those thrillers readers who still want the twists and turns without the super heavy ending. For me, it's spooky season so I was willing amd ready for it to run completely with the darkness.
One side note, I really enjoyed the setting and environment. It was well developed and I could easily visualize what everything was supposed to feel and look like.
Some of the ending twists landed, some didn't.
Which leads me to how there was a lot of build up in this book for some spooky, dark, and teisted things but it stops short. Which is good news for those thrillers readers who still want the twists and turns without the super heavy ending. For me, it's spooky season so I was willing amd ready for it to run completely with the darkness.
One side note, I really enjoyed the setting and environment. It was well developed and I could easily visualize what everything was supposed to feel and look like.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Eating disorder, and Injury/Injury detail
Nothing entirely too graphic. None of the murder happens on screen so to speak, it is explained but not with extreme detail. Missing children is a very big theme throughout that may not be a theme some want to read about.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Still want to finish, was working on school finals.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Considering I had to put this down at a critical point in the book and months later still picked it back up to finish, shows that the story stuck in my mind. It took me a little bit to get into as I thought the beginning was slightly cliché, but the book really hit its stride around the middle. I'm not in a huge rush to pick up the sequel, but I'm interested to see where the story goes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Rape
I would say this content is upper YA.
The Ivies by Alexa Donne
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I listened to this on audiobook, and it was a really well done production. The story was fast paced and hit the rich kids at boarding school doing the literal most trope quite well. The killer was kind of obvious to me, but for a younger reader who is just getting into mysteries they might be surprised. The dialogue and friend group interactions were a strong point. The main characters felt fleshed out and complex which made the read all the more enjoyable. I really liked the not-so happy ending.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Murder
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
It is a story about three sisters who are forced to go up against each other and are expected to murder one another. Any physical fighting between sisters doesn't happen in this book, just mentions of the expectations to do so.
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed the three sisters' characters the best. The magic and world are interesting, and it feels fleshed out. The story doesn't info dump everything at the beginning, which could make some people feel overwhelmed with what's going on. You definitely have to give the book some time for you to get the lay of the land. The ending third really picked up plot wise, while the first two-thirds are more about the build up to a certain event. In early reviews of this book, I had heard that people found it to be slow, but I disagree. It didn't take me long to get into and the ending really flew by. I liked it enough to pick up a copy of the sequel.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail